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Freire back for Basque Country

by VeloNews.com

• April 01, 2009
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Photo: Casey B. Gibson

Óscar Freire is expected to return to competition in time for the Vuelta al País Vasco next week in Spain.

The three-time world champion is still recovering from a crash at the Tour of California that left him with two broken ribs and difficulty with breathing. The injuries forced Freire to skip his first major goal of 2009 at Milan-San Remo.

Rabobank officials are hopeful the Spanish sprinter’s condition continues to improve.

“He has to begin racing to see if he can arrive in time for Amstel Gold Race,” sport director Erik Breukink said. “After missing San Remo, that’s converted into his new objective.”